On the Island of Utila off the north coast of Honduras, veterinary care is limited and there are no farriers or hoof trimmers to care for the 30+/- horses inhabiting this small island. The WorldVets team will provide general health exams, medical treatment, and bare hoof care utilizing the natural trim method.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

All went well. The horses down here are really small. But the most fascinating thing was that their hooves are beautiful except for a few minor chips. The stable hands are doing a great job of filing here and there, but mostly it’s because these horses are ridden on hard rough ground. Yeah, I know. This is a tropical island and you’d think just the opposite. I showed them a few of the natural hoof care techniques and we trimmed up 4 horses. By then it was a little after noon and getting dreadfully hot for me. Marina to the rescue. I showered and she took me to this nice place to eat on the water called the Driftwood Café. Excellent food and very nice people. I was introduced to more local islanders. Now by “local” I mean folks that were either born and raised here or from somewhere else but are now residents of Utila, called Utilians. Later that evening I rode my bike out to Slumberland Villas where the rest of the gang was staying and had finally arrived. We made all the introductions and went over the schedule for the week. Everyone was tired, just as I was when I arrived on Thursday, so I left and went back to my little cottage in the jungle.

Friday, March 28, 2008

My flights all went well. Got to Roatan and there was someone to meet me for my charter flight. I had 3 guys to help me with the two 50 bags of supplies that I took. Security wanted to look in my box of supplies but once opened, fortunately I included a packing list. They just let me go. Then my charter plane (Cessna 172 - 4 seater) pilot came to my rescue and we cut to the front of the security line. Got a few dirty looks from the locals. Later I found out that usually mistresses and daughters of rich people get that kind of treatment. I guess I am in Honduras after all. Oh well…I got on that little plane with my personal pilot and off to Utila we went. What a beautiful view. Things happened so fast once I landed that I didn’t have a chance to think about getting my camera and sunglasses out for the flight. As we approached the island of Utila there was this lone landing strip and not a soul in sight except for Marina and her golf cart who took me to my little cottage in the jungle.

After a good night’s rest Thursday night, Marina took me around the village in her golf cart. It didn’t take very long as it is rather small. Everyone here gets around by foot, golf cart, scooter or bicycle and the occasional car and it is a “free for all” type of driving. The concrete roads, no make that pathways, are narrow and not a lot of room. Can you say defensive driving! So I rented my bicycle and off I went to explore on my own. My first stop was the bank to get some lempiras (the local currency). Wouldn’t you know it; no one behind the counter spoke English. Luckily there was a gentleman in line next to me that spoke both English and Spanish and translated for me. It turns out later that that this same man is one of the locals I will be getting together with regarding his horses and is just right down the road from the Eco Lodge where I am staying:>) So anyway, I got my bicycle for my stay, my lempiras, and ready for my adventure. I was to be at the stable at 3PM today. When I got there, no one was there, only someone else that didn’t speak English. I was looking for the owner Ron. Thru something that resembled charades and very little Spanish words I knew, they got Ron on the phone for me. He came in a bit, as did the stable hand that is a local and speaks both languages. His accent was heavily Creole English like from New Orleans. Can you say “ ya mon” :>) So we made plans for me to come back the next day Saturday and begin training.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

I'm in Houston now. Two more flights and I'm there :>) It was snowing at home when we left for the airport. Had about 4 inches on the ground. Utila here I come:>) I told my husband I didn't want to see any snow on the ground when I got home. Yeah right!

My packing skills definitely came in handy. With a 50 pound weight limit on checked baggage, my suitcase came in at 49.9 pounds and the box at 45.5. That was close. Yes that is all supplies too. Only personal items were two pair of jeans and trimming boots. Thank you Jessie for helping me to the airport. I couldn't have done it without you. Love ya babe :>)

Oh yeah. My cousin James (Handyman and Painter) & his wife Cindy were flying out to San Diego from the same terminal in Spokane and at about the same time. We had a nice visit and a couple of drinks before we boarded our respective planes and headed off in our separate directions. Good to see you guys. Thanks for making the wait more enjoyable.

Well, my next post will be from Utila when I find the islands internet access. Stay tuned....

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About Me

I've been trimming horses and mules Spring of 2007 and absolutely love it! My husband and I own two saddle mules named Rusty and Buckshot. I attended the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care in May of 2007 and have been trimming ever since. Last summer I was invited to help coordinate a volunteer effort to provide training in the care and trimming of the hooves of the horses on this small island of the north coast of Honduras called Utila. Here is my story. Stay tuned as the trip progresses.